Lovey, an 8-year-old female spayed chocolate Labrador Retriever, first came to see us as a new patient in January of 2023. Lovey’s owners had noticed that morning that she was lethargic, with inappetence, but consumed a lot of water. Lovey’s owner also commented to staff that they noticed a bulge to her abdomen when she was lying down. Initial blood work showed and increased ALP at 312 U/L, an increased glucose at 137mg/dL, normal cPL test, and unremarkable CBC. During this visit, Lovey was given a Cerenia injection, Rimadyl for pain to go home, and some Royal Canin Recovery to encourage eating. With this Lovey improved at home.

Lovey, an 8-year-old female spayed chocolate Labrador Retriever (Image courtesy of CityVet) 

She returned in March 2023 with similar concerns of lethargy and inappetence. Blood work showed similar elevations in ALP and glucose levels, but the CBC showed elevated White Blood Cells (18.73 10̂ ̂ 9/l) and decrease in Red Blood Cells (5.33 10̂12/l) and Platelets (101 10̂9/l).

With these results, Lovey was scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound which revealed a partly cystic splenic mass in conjunction with subcapsular fluid and a diffuse splenic appearance concerning for infiltrative disease. Given Lovey’s breed and age primary consideration was given to malignancy such as Hemangiosarcoma with the subcapsular splenic fluid suggestive of recent hemorrhage.

Several diagnostic and treatment options were discussed with Lovey’s owners including splenectomy surgery and oncology referral. However, given the disappointing survival time for dogs with Hemangiosarcoma, Lovey’s owners chose to do as needed supportive care including Yunnan Baiyao for help managing bleeding from the splenic tumor, which remained mild. An Onco K9 test was also performed as a less invasive way to confirm the presumptive Hemangiosarcoma diagnosis. The Onco K9 cancer detection test results were no cancer signal detected.

With the hope that Lovey’s tumor was truly benign, and a splenectomy could prevent further hemorrhage, Lovey underwent a splenectomy and prophylactic gastropexy and her entire spleen was submitted for histopathology. The mass measuring 12.9cm by 15.2 cm and was found to be a splenic hematoma with hemorrhage, necrosis, extramedullary hematopoiesis and lymphonodular hyperplasia. While, ALP remained elevated visual inspection of the liver during surgery showed no areas of concern. Lovey did well under anesthesia and her recovery was uneventful. Her CBC returned to normal levels, and she continues to do well 17 months after surgery.

Articles

Lovey presented to the clinic lethargic, with inappetence but consuming plenty of water, and a bulge on her abdomen when lying down

Case study: Splenic mass in 8-year-old labrador retriever 

A line of veterinarian-formulated supplements for dogs and cats has been launched by Elanco Animal Health. The Pet Protect line offers supplements to support hip and joint function, gastrointestinal (GI) health, skin health, and situational stress, according to Elanco. A multivitamin supplement also promotes overall health and wellness.

“At Elanco, we recognize that pets are cherished family members and deserve the highest quality of care,” David Gosche, DVM, veterinarian and executive director, Consulting Vet Team at Elanco, said in the release. “Pet Protect is designed to support the health of pets with scientifically formulated veterinarian-approved ingredients.”

Each supplement in the Pet Protect line offers a function to improve the quality of life for pets. The product line includes but is not limited to:

Pet Protect Hip & Joint: A Synovi G3 formula for dogs that proactively supports healthy hip and joint function in active canines.

Pet Protect Multivitamin: Using a DVM Daily Soft Chews formula for dogs, this product supports everyday health and wellness, immune and bone strength, energy and healthy digestion.

Pet Protect Digestive Health for Dogs: Elanco’s Lactoquil formula supports everyday GI health and microbial balance, and in times of normal digestive upset.

Pet Protect Calming Fast Acting: Elanco’s proprietary Tranquilify blend is designed to work in as little as 30 minutes and last up to 4 hours. This supplement helps support situational stress, positive behavior in times of stress and curbs destructive behavior in dogs.

Pet Protect Skin Health: An over-the-counter supplement for dogs that uses phytoceramide to help regulate hydration, support a healthy skin barrier and support a normal inflammatory response in dogs.

The Pet Protect line has earned a quality seal from the National Animal Supplement Council. It is available now from Elanco to veterinary clinics, through the Vetcove veterinary supply marketplace and other online retailers like Amazon, Chewy and PetMeds. These supplements can also be found in PetSmart stores now, and will be coming in March 2025 to Petco, Walmart and Tractor Supply locations, according to an email from Elanco to 

Pet owners’ expectations for comprehensive pet care have risen significantly, resulting in a heightened awareness to take proactive measures to ensure not only their health but their pet’s health too. The US pet supplement market reached a size of $2.7 billion in 2023, achieving a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20% over the past five years. The growth in the pet supplements market has remained constant as customers see value in these types of produces, according to Elanco.

“As the leader in pet health over the counter products, expanding into supplements is a natural fit for Elanco,” Bobby Modi, executive vice president, US Pet Health and Global Digital Transformation, said in a news release. “This underscores our dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of pets while driving growth and expanding our footprint in this dynamic market.”

Elanco launches Pet Protect from the makers of Advantage: veterinarian-formulated supplements for complete pet wellness. February 20, 2025. Accessed February 20, 2025.

https://www.elanco.com/en-us/news/elanco-launches-pet-protect

Elanco Animal Health announced the launch and availability of products to promote skin health, gastrointestinal health, hip and joint function, and behavior.

New line of supplements support pet health in a variety of ways

A recent study found that including heat-treated 

CECT-7347 (Priome Gut Health) combined with Fibersol-2 (Pet Fibersol) in adult cats’ diets improved their intestinal health. The study, led by ADM—a human, pet, and animal nutrition company—in collaboration with China Agricultural University, aimed to investigate the effect these supplements have on the digestive health of felines before and after undergoing an abrupt dietary change.

Suddenly changing a cat’s diet can disrupt their gastrointestinal balance, which can lead to inflammation. When transitioning to a high-protein diet, cats can be even more impacted. Although gradually transitioning to the new food over the course of 7 days has been shown to reduce gastrointestinal upset, diet change-related diarrhea is still common in cats, according to the authors of the study.

CECT 7347 helps improve the gut microbiota balance and strengthen the intestinal barrier, leading to improved gastrointestinal health during dietary changes, according to ADM.

Additionally, Fibersol-2 raises the levels of beneficial bacteria while containing a low glycemic index, reduced body fat, and improved adaptation to high-protein diets.

For the 28-day study, which was published in 

, researchers looked at 24 British shorthair adult cats. The felines were divided into 2 groups, with the control group receiving a lower protein concentration (33%) diet for days 1 to 14. The treatment group, meanwhile, received the same diet as the control group, but were supplemented with 0.16% functional additives of 

 CECT-7347 combined with Fibersol-2—a soluble dietary fiber. From days 15 to 28, both groups switched to a higher-protein diet (40%). The treatment group continued receiving the same supplement.

The cats that received the supplement showed significant improvements in serum lipopolysaccharide, an indicator of intestinal permeability, both before and after the diet change.

CECT-7347 combined with Fibersol-2 also lowered the felines’ fecal pH and increased their fecal levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA).

“…the functional additive regulates the fecal microbiota and its function, promoting intestinal homeostasis and colonization with beneficial bacteria such as 

 “Furthermore, on day 28, there was a significant difference in fecal microbiota beta diversity between the two groups.”

“We understand the vital role gut health plays in pets’ overall well-being, particularly during dietary changes,” Mark Lotsch, president of global health & wellness at ADM, said in a report.

 “Insights from this study will open new doors for creating innovative pet food solutions that enhance digestive health and nutritional balance.”

Wang F, Gao S, Peng Q, Tan L, Chen S, Xia Z. Effects of heat-treated Bifidobacterium Longum CECT-7347 combined with fibersol-2 on the intestinal health of cats submitted to an abrupt dietary change: A randomized controlled study. 

. 2024;14(15):2179. doi:10.3390/ani14152179

ADM-led study focuses on cat digestive health. 

Feed Additive International Magazine for Animal Feed & Additives Industry.

 January 31, 2025. Accessed February 19, 2025. 

https://www.feedandadditive.com/adm-led-study-focuses-on-cat-digestive-health/

For the study, participating cats underwent an abrupt dietary change

Research shows bifidobacterium Longum and Fibersol-2 may aid feline gastrointestinal health 

On this week's episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360, our host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, welcomes Brian Goleman, CVT, to discuss all things bandage art for veterinary medicine. Throughout the episode Goleman and Christman chat about what inspired Goleman to begin Brian's Bandages, a company educating veterinary professionals on proper bandaging techniques, how bandage art can be a great marketing strategy for veterinary clinics, and how he came to write a children's book on veterinary bandaging. 

So why bandaging? What was it to you that said, like, 'you know what, I really want to do something about this'?

So it started off as a challenge. I love challenging myself and the fact that I had to do something in hospital that's unnatural. I have to put a bandage on an animal that has no idea what's going on. I have to send it home with owners that at the time also have no idea what's going on really. So I have to challenge myself to educate them enough to feel comfortable going home. Because they have to change their routine of the day. They have to change how they feed, how they walk the dog, basically everything changes. So I have to make them comfortable enough. And then there's also the challenge of making sure that that bandage is coming back to me in the same status that I sent it out in. I want them to be compliant, I want the patient to be wearing an E collar, like all these things and so, and then come back without bandage sores. 

So the challenge of all of that was [what] initially what drew me in. ...There was no high like getting a bandage coming back with no bandage sores. And then on top of that, just the relationships that I developed with these owners, like I'd be seeing them for weeks while their fractures heal, while their wounds heal, and so really, like being a part of their recovery like, really, I guess revved my engines, and I just fell in love with it immediately.

Podcasts

Brian Goleman, CVT, shares his journey to finding a passion for bandage art, to the inspiration behind the children's book he authored, on this week's episode

Bandaging with Brian

One defining moment many pre-veterinary students encounter early in their college careers comes during orientation, their first 'weed out class,' or first pre-veterinary or animal science club meeting. It’s common for professionals to ask pre-professional students to look around at fellow students. Then they’re told bluntly that very few of them will ever make it in the industry they are trying to enter, and will be weeded out or will choose 'easier' careers or majors. Along with this, the future of these industries are told that the professions they’re striving for are so competitive and so difficult that only the 'truly exceptional' succeed. These are their parting words as pre-veterinary students across the country start their collegiate journeys.

Even if pre-vets escape this messaging from their college or university, it’s a common experience to hear from high school teachers, parents, friends, and even random people on the street that the path to veterinary school is daunting, academically challenging, competitive, and harder than medical school.

With this mindset in place, pre-vets now entering the arena of college where the tension is palpable and feels as though the competition for the most, best, most unique, prestigious experiences has begun. Although I can’t speak for all universities or pre-veterinary experiences, I can say with confidence that the pre-vets I know feel this pressure greatly. Veterinary school admissions set the standards sky high for applicants, including a stellar GPA, a wide range of experience, research, volunteering, and leadership. All of this is expected from students who may be working to support family, paying their tuition, or even just attempting to maintain a social life.

In this pressure pot of expectations, competition thrives. It is incredibly easy to get caught up in the mindset of comparison amongst fellow pre-vet students. Who has the most experience? Who has the best grade in this class? Who studies the most? Who rests the least? This toxic spiral leads students to taking on experiences at the cost of their own mental health and wellbeing.

The need to compare and compete can become so ingrained that students are pushing their limits to constantly be working, studying, and be working for a perfect application. When it comes time to submit the Veterinary Medical College Application Service application, it can be nearly impossible not to compare your stats to other students or go down the spiral of social networking like Student Doctor Network or the American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association (APVMA) Facebook group.

As someone who ran APVMA’s Facebook group during my time on its National Board, I can tell you there is a nearly constant influx of students wondering how they stack up against others, if they’ve gathered enough experience, if all they’ve done will be enough.

Then comes the acceptance, and suddenly, the hamster wheel of working, studying, leadership, research, comparison, is over.

Now veterinary schools have gathered a group of smart, well rounded, intelligent, and caring individuals and the only thing left to focus on is learning as much as possible to become the best possible doctors. No more competition to get in. You made it, but breaking out of the cycle of comparison and competition can seem impossible.

The academic pressure remains, now somewhat heightened due to new information, and success on paper is still expected of those aiming for internships and residencies, but for the most part, that competition is behind us.

Now we must fight against our every instinct to compare and compete that was ingrained in us over the past however many years on the journey to veterinary school. Gone are the days where you would jump at every single experience offered, even if it doesn’t align with your interests, just to bolster your resume. Gone are the days where someone else failing might mean you succeed. In comes an era of working with colleagues to become the best doctors possible. Not for your resume, but for your patients.

How do we change the narrative that students are surrounded with as they enter veterinary medicine? How do we reframe the path to veterinary school? It’s challenging and good (enough) grades are needed. But how do we acknowledge the upcoming challenges they will face without encouraging an environment where their resume takes precedence over their wellbeing?

While I don’t have all the answers, here's what I suggest. To students – support each other. Take the creation of a supportive, kind, inclusive community into your own hands. This next generation of veterinarians has the power to rewrite the narrative pre-veterinary students hear as they begin their careers. Reach out to your fellow classmates, make friends, share experiences and insight. Most importantly, remember that there is room for everyone in veterinary medicine and that someone else’s success doesn’t limit yours, it only lifts all of us higher.

To practicing veterinarians – be mindful of your words towards upcoming students. Too many of us have heard the narrative of regret, telling us to choose human medicine or all the debt wasn’t worth it in the end. Please teach us about the reality of the field without crushing our spirits. Please remember your excitement as you entered this incredible field and support the next generation of veterinarians as much as you can!

Together we can shift the culture of comparison and competition and ensure that students can be more than just a resume.

 is a first-year dual degree student at Colorado State University pursuing her Masters in Public Health and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She hopes to combine clinical practice and research in her future career. She is a dvm360 Ambassador and involved in public health research surrounding diabetes prevention.

dvm360 student ambassador Sophia Jodka challenges all students, at every stage, to rethink the competitive environment they have created or fostered.

Comparison and competition in veterinary medicine

Some pet microchip registry services are offering incentives to owners affected by the reported closure of Save This Life. Among them are BuddyID and PetLink.

Creative Science, an animal health solutions provider, is offering free lifetime registration to its’ BuddyID service for all pets with microchips affected by the reported closure of Save This Life. The offer extends to veterinary clinics and shelters in possession of any remaining Save This Life microchips. Additionally, the company will provide 25 complimentary BuddyID ISO Microchip + Temp chips to veterinary clinics and shelters that move their remaining Save This Life microchips to the BuddyID registry by March 31, 2025.

PetLink announced on its’ Facebook and Instagram platforms a one-time, lifetime registration for Save This Life customers at a cost of $4.99. The promo code for this offer, STL499, expires March 31, 2025.

The Save This Life microchip registry was recently reported by a number of sources as shut down without notice to the customers it served, and its data seemingly disappeared. According to 

Post, Save This Life forfeited its certificate of authority or business registration in Texas last year.

also found Save This Life’s customer service number disconnected.

Transfer of a microchip registration to another service, including BuddyID and petlink.net, can help ensure a lost pet is identified when found. Veterinary teams and shelters have reportedly been encouraging pet owners to transfer their microchip registrations as soon as possible.

“Ensuring lost pets can always find their way home is at the heart of what we do,” Charlie Passantino, president of Creative Science, said in a news release.

 “The shutdown of Save This Life’s registry left many pet owners and clinics in a difficult situation, and we want to provide a seamless solution by welcoming these microchips into our network at no cost.”

BuddyID has provided microchip identification and lost pet recovery service for more than 30 years. The brand’s comprehensive system includes a global pet registry, temperature-sensing microchips, and the BuddyBadge QR Collar Tag that offers instant access to pet recovery information, according to Creative Science. Pet owners, veterinary clinics, and shelters with Save This Life microchips are encouraged to call 800-434-2843 or email help@buddyied.com for assistance with obtaining free registration.

Creative Science’s BuddyID offers free lifetime registration for pets affected by Save This Live microchip registry shutdown. News release. February 19, 2025.

Animal chip company’s silence has worried pet owners seeking answers. February 13, 2025. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/02/13/savethislife-pet-chips/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzM5NDIyODAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzQwODA1MTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3Mzk0MjI4MDAsImp0aSI6IjdlODk0YmMzLTllN2YtNDQyNC1iOTljLWRjOGVjMGRmMTZkNSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9idXNpbmVzcy8yMDI1LzAyLzEzL3NhdmV0aGlzbGlmZS1wZXQtY2hpcHMvIn0.d5ewY_MhFrilc0iZv0PPL9j5Gy7bW9558d4T5B0FRKg

The Save This Life company abruptly stopped serving customers, according to reports